An integrated stratigraphic record of the Paleocene–lower Eocene at Gubbio (Italy): new insights into the early Paleogene hyperthermals and carbon isotope excursions

A high−resolution integrated stratigraphic framework (stable isotope stratigraphy, standard calcareous nannofossil and foraminiferal biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy) together with geochemical and rock magnetic properties’ analyses of a complete and well−preserved succession at Contessa Valley (Gubbio, central Italy) have offered an excellent opportunity 27 to identify and constrain the Paleocene to early Eocene hyperthermals and carbon isotope excursions (CIEs). In addition, we provide the first evidence in the Tethys Ocean of CIEs previously identified in the Pacific, Atlantic and Southern Oceans, highlighting their global significance, and of some unknown CIEs. Their characteristics are compared with those reported for deep−sea cores and other land−based sections in order to test whether the signature associated with CIEs documented in ourcomposite section might give evidence for tracing them over wider areas. The Contessa composite section thus represents a reference succession also for insight into the magnetobiochronostratigraphy and the magnitude of early Paleogene hyperthermals and CIEs.